Laptop Mount.

Submitted: Monday, Nov 19, 2012 at 11:01

ThreadID: 99077 Views:3138 Replies:4 FollowUps:3

This Thread has been Archived

Brad K1

I have just ordered a Colorado crew cab and intend to set it up to do some touring starting with a trip to the centre next year.

I have a second hand Panasonic Toughbook that I have loaded with Oziexplorer.

I am looking for a suitable way of mounting the laptop. I plan on using it with the lid closed in "tablet mode"

From what I have read Ram make a high quality mounting system although it is a little expensive. If I go with this it seems that the "Tough Tray" with the "Ram Pod III" stand would be suitable. I wanted to go with something universal as I will probably move this to another 4wd in the future.

Does anyone have any experience with this set up?

Are there other alternatives I should consider?

What are the cheap mounts on eBay like?

Any advice or experience would be appreciated

Thanks.

Brad

Back Expand Un-Read 0 Moderator Share

Reply By: Mick O - Monday, Nov 19, 2012 at 12:08

Monday, Nov 19, 2012 at 12:08

Brad

I’ve been running toughbooks in the vehicles (GU Patrol and now the Landcruiser Ute) for quite a few years. I had the RAM pod mount and found it not strong enough to support the weight of the computer. Not too bad on bitumen but any bumps soon had the thing bending out of shape. I’d avoid it.

Having said that the RAM adjustable laptop tray is fantastic and does a great job securing the computer. The rear screen support arm is essential though. It simply remains to mount that to something solid enough using the various RAM arm and Ball mounts.

I had Brown Davis Automotive in Bayswater (Victoria) make me an arm that is folded so as not to be intrusive into the passengers side of the cockpit. It also utilises existing seat and centre console mounts and the three point fastening makes it incredibly secure in even the harshest of conditions. The other secret is to use the larger sized Ball mounts.

It may not be transferrable to another vehicle but it was certainly the way to go and the only way I found to ensure a robust mount that wouldn’t see the computer or vehicle cabin damaged by a wayward electronic device out bush.

Sorry I don't have a photo to hand but will troll around tonight and post one.

Cheers Mick

''We knew from the experience of well-known travelers that the
trip would doubtless be attended with much hardship.''
Richard Maurice - 1903

Lifetime Member
My Profile My Blog My Position Send Message

AnswerID: 498771

Follow Up By: Michelle R2 - Monday, Nov 19, 2012 at 16:46

Monday, Nov 19, 2012 at 16:46

I've just started doing my new Colorado up & looks sweet but a while to go - bullbar, canopy, winch, UHF, inboard compressor, thumper pack, couplertec - waiting to wear orig tyres then upgrade wheels & decent muddies, susp upgrade, chip/exhaust & list goes on.. Enjoy!!!

FollowupID: 774778

Reply By: Mick O - Monday, Nov 19, 2012 at 17:45

Monday, Nov 19, 2012 at 17:45

Brad, Images as promised. This is in my Nissan. Concept is exactly the same in the Tojo although they picked up an existing console mount for the lateral support bar.

Laptop, tray and mount in Nissan

Mounting system - to existing seat mounts

Laptop. tray and mount

Laptop Mount - RAM Ball arm

Brown Davis Automotive

''We knew from the experience of well-known travelers that the
trip would doubtless be attended with much hardship.''
Richard Maurice - 1903

Lifetime Member
My Profile My Blog My Position Send Message

AnswerID: 498814

Follow Up By: Brad K1 - Monday, Nov 19, 2012 at 20:27

Monday, Nov 19, 2012 at 20:27

Thanks for the photo Mick.

What size are the ball joints that you are using? They seem to have 1 inch and 1.5 inch listed on their website.

Unless I see a better idea I think I can fabricate the mount out of 25mm RHS as I have a TIG. Then use the RAM ball joint thingy and the tray.

Do you need any support for the screen when it is open? Do you ever use the Toughbook when it is closed in "tablet mode"?

Brad

FollowupID: 774803

Follow Up By: Mick O - Monday, Nov 19, 2012 at 22:48

Monday, Nov 19, 2012 at 22:48

1.5" ball and arms Brad. It's crucial to be using the rear screen brace, particularly if there is a few bumps and corrugations to be had.

The pictrues provided are using my older CF29 so it's heavy and no tablet ability. I've moved over to the CF18 but prefer not to use it as a tablet as it's easier to prevent glare and maintain better visibility of the screen if you use it in a normal "screen-up" position.

Both spend a fair bit of time out in the open strapped to the quad when exploring.

Cheers Mick

''We knew from the experience of well-known travelers that the
trip would doubtless be attended with much hardship.''
Richard Maurice - 1903

Lifetime Member
My Profile My Blog My Position Send Message

FollowupID: 774813

Reply By: Member - Longtooth (SA) - Monday, Nov 19, 2012 at 22:34

Monday, Nov 19, 2012 at 22:34

Have a look at 'expressmounts.com'. they are in Las Vegas but when I bought my tray and mounts from them the packages arrived in four days and at 40% the cost of getting them from Sydney - including air freight. Freight from Sydney was extra and it was going to take a couple of weeks!

Rusty

AnswerID: 498843

Reply By: robertm - Friday, Nov 23, 2012 at 16:52

Friday, Nov 23, 2012 at 16:52

Hi Brad;
I just fitted a mount from industrial evolutionfor my 79 series. I had problems trying to get a floor mount with the manual, so this off the dash works well. They make holders for various devices.

AnswerID: 499071